Description: Riyad el Mezouar

This 18th century palace boasts a rich historical past, its very name originating from the official function of the "Mezouar" the head of the family, a role undertaken by a branch of the Alaoui royal family, to whom the Riyad belonged until 1945, King Mohammed the 5th honoured it with a visit in the 1940's.Later the mansion belonged to Moulay Idriss Sbaï, Caïd of El Kelaâ des Sraghna before being taken over by the descendents of Hammadi El Glaoui, Calife of Ouarzazate and brother of the Pacha of Marrakech, who held it until 1999.

The Riyah has been restored respecting the traditional architecture and using ancestral techniques to preserve its past glory whilst providing the comfort and luxury of today. The entire building is decorated with exquisite taste using silk fabrics and furniture created or chosen by the owners, an interior architect and a furniture designer.

The Riyad is in one of the oldest parts of the medina which has retained its authenticity and was formerly the residence of eminent families from Fès. It is conveniently situated to the north east of the medina close to the Ben Youssef Medersa and the Marrakech museum, as well as the souks, the Palace of Jemaa-El-Fna and the golf courses. It is easy to reach by car via the town gates of Bab Khemat, Bab Lalla Aouda Saadia and Bab Kechich.

Type of rooms: Riyad el Mezouar

The word Riyad means an enclosed garden, evocative of the Garden of Eden, but in a wider sense it refers to the architectural style in which two main buildings face each other across a large rectangular patio adorned with aromatic plants and a fountain. Many of these residences were built in the medina, which has been declared a world cultural heritage by UNESCO.

The Mezouar is one of the few remaining authentic Riyads with a frontage of arcades and galleries on all four sides and on two levels. The elegance of its white façades and its harmonious proportions make it a masterpiece of Arabic-Andalusian style.

The patio of the Mezouar has at its centre a marble fountain with hand crafted ceramic tiles and a swimming pool reminiscent of the pools of the ancient coranic schools. Around this courtyard sumptuously carved cedar wood doors lead to the rooms and to the impressive Grand Salon and open air lounges set under the galleries.

There are two rooms on the ground floor: Junior Suite: which has 2 twin beds which can be joined together and a hamman style bathroom with shower. The Turkish: room has 2 twin beds which can be joined together and a contemporary marble bathroom with a bath tub.

The rooms on the first floor are served by large galleries with Moorish arcades: The Mezouar Junior Suite: has a double bed and a large hamman style bathroom in traditional tadelakt with a bath and cupola.The Ambassador Junior Suite: has a double bed and a large turn of the century bathroom with cast iron bath.The Kuba room: has twin beds which can be joined together, the tadelakt bathroom has a shower.

All rooms have luxury linen and towels, incence, flowers and fruit with complimentary products made exclusively for El Mezouar by Nectarôme.The unusually large roof terrace has panoramic views of the medina and the Atlas mountains which can be enjoyed from sun beds or from open air lounges.

Additional information: Riyad el Mezouar

The architectural style means that air conditioning is not necessary but each room has electric heating and fan.Outstanding gourmet cuisine, which mingles Oriental, Asian and French cuisine, is prepared by a cook who used to work for Lalla Aïcha, the sister of King Hassan II. Lunch (200 Dirhams) and dinner (400 Dirhams) are served in the grand salon, the courtyard or on the terrace according to the wish of the guest.

There is secure parking close to the hotel.Transfers to and from the airport are available at a cost of 20 euros.WiFi Internet is available.

All costs, prices, and policies, including exchange rates, package deals, and cancellation policy may change and should be confirmed with the hotel upon booking.

Basic Info:

Number of rooms:5

Languages spoken:Arabic, French, English.

Smoking policy: no preference.Credit cards accepted: Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express. Guests must fill in a government form and the hotel must have the signature in order to charge a credit card.
GPS Coordinates: 31° 37' 53.06'' N 7° 58' 56.48'' W

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